Employment plan upsets disability commission

The National Commission Persons with Disability said it was disappointed by the National Action Plan for Employment.

It said it feels the issues facing those with disability and the disadvantaged groups are the same as those for anyone else, for example in terms of the need for vocational guidance and training. "This is the same with gender issues, for example," executive director Alfred Bezzina told The Times.

"This approach is part of government policy - even though it is not enforced. The difference is whether you should take specific measures aimed just at the disabled or whether you should try to mainstream - there is room for both.

"But the mainstream approach is not reflected in the plan. We felt it should have been incorporated in the preamble and given more emphasis in others.

"Take the Employment and Training Corporation. Imagine getting all the disabled people and organising one course for them without giving them a specialised approach."

He cautioned against the assumption that disabled people can only do limited types of job or that some special equipment would be required.

"In the majority of cases, only very minor changes need to be made. There are about 10 disabled people working in the commission but nothing extraordinary had to be done. Only the blind person that works here needs special equipment."